Development restrictions not possible

Council has responded to a petition submitted by members of the Bacchus Marsh community, telling them it’s not within Council’s power to put a blanket ban on developments.

A petition titled ‘Request to Prevent Further Unit Development In Masons Lane End of Dickson Street Between Numbers 70 – 80 George and Young Streets, Bacchus Marsh’, came before Council at the Development Assessment Committee (DAC) held on Wednesday 15 March.

The petition was initially tabled at the 7 December 2022 Ordinary Meeting of Council, with the decision being for Council officers to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.

At 15 March’s DAC, Council’s Executive Manager Community Planning & Economic Development, Henry Bezuidenhout, responded to the petition, stating that Council must by law judge each application for a permit on its individual merits.

“When Council considered the planning application at 79 Dickson Street, there was also a petition that required Council does not allow any further development along certain parts of the street as described. Based on the petition, I can just clarify that Council is not in a position to limit development,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.

“The Planning Scheme allows development in that specific instance. The development needs to be considered on its merit and against the Planning Scheme requirements. The Act also allows any person to make applications to Council. We can’t allow or not allow applications to be submitted.

“On that basis, the petition can’t be adhered to.”

The motion to advise the petition organiser of Council’s decision was moved by Cr Paul Tatchell, seconded by Cr Tonia Dudzik, and approved unanimously by present Councillors, with Cr Munari an apology and not present.